Positivism, interpretivism and sociological methods- Positivism and research methods Flashcards
1
Q
Positivism
A
An approach in sociology that believes society can be studied using similar scientific techniques to those used in the natural sciences, such as biology.
2
Q
Social facts
A
Are phenomena which exist outside individuals and independently of their minds, but which act upon them in ways which constrain or mould their behaviour e.g. the law or family.
3
Q
Quantitative data
A
Anything that can be expressed in statistical or number form or can be measured in some way, eg. age or income.
4
Q
A macro approach
A
Is one which focuses on large numbers of people and the large- scale structure of society as a whole rather than individuals.
